We at ABM are looking for an experience Imam and Madrassa Head Teacher
Job Type: Full-time
About ABM
Abu Bakr Masjid (ABM) is situated in West Reading and caters for people from diverse background, cultures and nationalities. ABM is a purpose build masjid serving the people of Reading and surrounding areas since 2013. Alhamdulillah, since its opening, the Centre has expanded rapidly and the demand to further expand its services is ever increasing. We aim to be the hub of the Muslim community as well as making an impacting on wider society.
Purpose of the job
We are open to receiving applications from all levels of experience, whether you are a highly experienced scholar or at the start of your career. We are looking for a self-driven and motivated individual who has a passion to serve the beautiful Deen of Allah through serving and educating the Ummah and be part of an organisation which is on a journey to be a leading Islamic Institute.
We believe the role of the Imam is at the heart of the Abu Bakr Masjid (ABM); the Imam has great significance and responsibility to the worshippers, the staff and volunteers, the management, the Muslim community and wider society. In addition to a strong understanding of Islam and utmost sincerity to please Allah, you should be aware of the varying needs of Muslims in our community, and the role of Masjid not only serving those needs but also in making a positive contribution to the society. As an Imam of the ABM, you will work closely with the ABM’s other Imam and Madrassa staff to provide guidance on religious matters, lead congregational prayers, strengthen & develop the ABM Madrassa and represent the interests of ABM.
Key Priorities
- Deliver core religious services
- Provide leadership role and represent ABM to the wider community
- Engage with Muslim youth and community
- Lead and manage the madrassa
- Design and develop new courses and improve existing madrassa syllabus
- Focus on training and developing madrassa staff
- Developing relationships with other organisations
Key roles and responsibilities
- Lead congregational prayers on a regular basis and deliver the khutbah for the Jumu’ah prayer.
- Provide Quran and Hadith studies, Sirah and Fiqh lessons, and other Islamic topics to increase knowledge and provide for spiritual growth of community members to be held on a weekly basis.
- Solemnise Islamic marriages according to the ABM procedures
- To devise, in conjunction with the education committee, an educational development plan covering all activities relating the advancement of education at the centre
- Developing and enhancing training programme for the madrassa staff
- Develop and implement educational and extracurricular programs for the youth to meet the modern-day challenges.
- Provide funeral services and guidance including liaising with the family.
- Implementing educational program for the madrassa.
- Organise regular Islamic exhibitions to attract as diverse group to the Centre.
- Develop fund raising initiatives
Personal Specifications
The following skills are essential unless stated otherwise:
- Experience of working with diverse community, developing programmes to encourage community participation
- Excellent command of English, both written and verbal.
- Ability to speak Arabic (desirable)
- Ability to speak Urdu (desirable)
- Qualified Islamic scholar (Aalim)
- Memorised the Quran (Hafidh)
- Experience of managing madrassa administration including teaching Islamic education. Developing madrassa syllabus and managing, training and developing madrassa teachers.
- Proficient IT skills
- Experience of developing community projects to encourage engagement
- Experience of working with non-Muslim organisations
- Have the experience and ability to successfully work independently on your own initiative, as well as part of a team
- All applicants successful in the interview must pass a DBS (CRB) check
What we offer
- A competitive salary package for the right candidate which includes a high quality 3-bedroom house.
- A diverse and friendly work environment
- Pension contributions
- 28 Paid holidays (including public holidays)
- Paid sick leave
- Paid paternity leave
FAQs
- The 5 daily prayers and Jummah salah are shared with a second Imam
- The Jummah Khutbah is in Arabic with an English talk before
- The masjid follow the Hanafi madhab but as we have such a diverse community the Imam has to also have knowledge of other madhabs and ideologies.